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Hex Records (Ryan Canavan)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2008?
- Young Widows - Old Wounds
- Suicide Note - Empty Rooms
- Helms Alee - Night Terror
- Lemuria - Get Better
- Rocket From the Crypt - R.I.P.
What band did you discover in 2008 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Teenage Cool Kids are the most recent band that I just picked up on from the advice of a couple people's whose musical opinions I trust, and then seeing them at The Fest sealed it. Their full-length, "Queer Salutations" is an excellent record that I have greatly enjoyed since picking it up.
How will you remember 2008? (In terms of music)
2008 was a really kick-ass year for music to me. A lot of musicians that I have followed over the years came out with either new records or new bands that push the envelope of what they'd been doing already in great new directions. I also saw a number of friends bands who I also feel are great musicians gain a lot more national recognition that they deserve. I feel like between this and the great music released this year there is hope for good music outside of the mass of crap that passes for punk these days getting some well-deserved attention.
Vinyl record sales saw a significant increase this year while hard copy sales continued to dwindle. Is this a return to the glory days for vinyl or just a phase? Explain.
I hope it's not a phase. I'm still a big fan of physical releases and typically download music only if I want to get an idea of what a band sounds like, to see if I'm interested in it or not. While digital is more convenient it really lacks the sound quality of vinyl. Additionally, I'm always really big on art and lyrics and that can often be hard to obtain (or get an accurate representation of) in digital form.
What was the most memorable moment for you in 2008? (Can be in terms of anything)
Well, there were a bunch of highs and lows. But I gotta say, after over twenty years of fandom I finally saw (and interviewed!) Devo. Damn right. It was amazing.
What can we look forward to from you in 2009?
2009 is going to be the busiest year ever for Hex Records. I don't know how it has gotten so out of control, but I'm planning on seven releases this year (that's a lot for my label as I only average about two releases a year), mostly in vinyl format. I'm really excited to be releasing a few records from bands a lot of people are familiar with, and working with a couple new local bands that blow my mind. It's going to be a crazy year and I'm ready for it!
What three records are you looking forward to most in 2009?
I'm not going to lie. I can't wait to see what the band's I'm working with throw at me. The Helm, Prize Country, Oak and Bone, Night Owls... I know all of them are going to do some great things with their records.
Homepage: http://www.hanginghex.blogspot.com
